FIRE PERIL THREATENS VETERANS’ HOME

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 120, 11 August 1927, Page 15

FIRE PERIL THREATENS VETERANS’ HOME

A POTENTIAL DANGER INADEQUATE WATER SUPPLY The danger to the lives of the inmates of the Veterans’ Home in the event of a fire was discussed on Tuesday by the Mount Ros kill Road Board. A deputation consisting of Messrs. A. G. Lunn and W. B. Leyland (representing the committee of the Veteran s Home, and the Auckland Patriotic Association), and Major H. C. Nutsford (superintendent of the home), sought assistance by the board in making provision for an improved supply of water for fire-fighting purposes. Mr. Lunn explained that in the event of an outbreak the old men would have very poor chances of escape. It had been decided to install a fire alarm system, by which all inmates would be warned, and the brigade called in time to check any outbreak in its early stage. One lead of hose only, off the present two-inch main, would produce very inadequate pressure, while a second lead brought into operation would place the brigade out of action altogether. The city officer advised th’e immediate provision of a six-inch main. Mr. Leyland added that the obligation rested upon the trustees, and also the board, to do everything possible to safeguard the inmates. Major Nutsford remarked that some idea of the paucity of water supplied to the home was given in the fact that on washing days no water could be secured for* any other purposes. After brief discussion, the chairman. Mr. E. J. Jones, informed the deputation that the board would quickly meet the managers of the home, and properly consider the whole subject.